Posted on 07/17/2002 10:47:58 AM PDT by SheLion
Considerate smokers recognize the right of non-smokers to breathe clean air.
Considerate non-smokers recognize the right of smokers to partake in a legal product.
So what we have is not smokers and non-smokers, but considerate and inconsiderate people.
As a parent and a smoker, I consider it far more important that my son learn how to be considerate than it is for him to be programmed to be a non-smoker.
Inconsiderate smokers inflict their second hand smoke on others who do not wish it. Inconsiderate non-smokers believe it is right to indignantly proclaim to the world that smoking is evil, and they never miss an opportunity to do so, do they?
Perhaps the two of you need to decide whether you are considerate or inconsiderate, adult or childish.
I knew you weren't from around here and with that snotty reply, you've proved it.
Back to DU, young lady.
Ok, I'll bite.
Brushing aside your condescending tone, I've never considered defending myself from attack "childish", which you imply.
Maybe the other poster feels stung, I don't.
Whereas smoking USED to be "cool" and dangerous, there's too much information out there. The kids who pay attention will be okay.
If you're going to be a loser, you're going to be a loser. Nothing much to be done about that. It's a free choice.
Funny you should use the word in re smoking. There is NOTHING that makes you less free than being addicted to something that will kill you.
You must not have read my post very closely. I said I have never smoked a single solitary cigarette in my entire life, and I will never smoke one. I think smoking is stupid, and dirty and disgusting. On the other hand, if people want to be stupid, and endanger their own health, they have that freedom. It is not against the law to be stupid. I think you are right, that being addicted means people have less freedom, because the cigarettes enslave them, but again, it is not against the law to be stupid.
Where did lovergirl display discourtesy?
Perhaps the considerate individual would simply say, "it's none of my business."
I believe most smokers know, at some level or other, that it's not a good habit. But it also is not deadly when done in moderation, and that's a fact. Making oneself into a basket case by quitting altogether, rather than cutting way back and getting deeper enjoyment out of each smoke, is far deadlier.
Then why are you worrying about something you have total control over?
You have more than ample opportunity to avoid a situation where tobacco smoke is present; and in those situations where you might be in its presence, let's face it - they must be rare.
Do you honestly think these rare situations are going to affect your health?
For crying out loud, lighten up.
Worry is going to kill you, not "second-hand" smoke.
We were born with the right to live, IMO, not die at the hands of someone else, nor knowingly inflict death on others (the ignorant claim ignorance).
Of course I did. And I repeat: Using your "freedom" to become enslaved is a rather odd thing for a sane person to do.
It is not against the law to be stupid.
Of course it is. Most people don't intend to lose control of their automobile and crash, possibly injuring or killing themselves and others, because they're fooling with a cigarette or a cell phone. But they do, because they're STUPID. And it's against the law to be stupid, foolish and reckless.
And you may also have heard the adage "Ignorance of the law is no excuse." You have a responsibility as a citizen to be informed, to know what your rights are as well as your obligations. In fact, if there's one thing the founders continued to harp on, it was the RESPONSIBILITIES of the citizen to maintain liberty, and to do their part in the civic arena. They spoke about freedom in VASTLY different ways than we hear gabbled about by the Libertines here and elsewhere. They thought liberty was anything but free, and that it carried heavy obligations and responsibilities.
The liberty that we enjoy ceases to have meaning when we mistake it for license.
It seems from ALL your posts to me, you have my entire life figured out; who I deal with, where I travel....
Maybe you can help Miss Cleo out a little.
These new anti-smoking measures are VERY popular, and that's not a coincidence.
LOL, You are right, but a lot of Freepers would not exist either, I suppose.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.